eollin wilcox



(No Model.)

. S. R. WILGOX.

DIGITAL PORGBPS.

No. 338,324. Patented Mar. 23, 1886.

WI' I'NEEEEE INVEN'I'EJR:

s- HULL-IN WILDDX & Puamumn n her, Wuhington, n. a

TNITED STATES PATENT Orricn.

S. ROLLIN \VILCOX, OF BENNINGTON,-VERMONT.

DIGITAL FORCEPS.

SIECIE'ICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 338,324, dated March 23, 1886.

Application filed July 22, 1885.

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, S. ROLLIN WILooX, of the town of Bennington, in the county ofBennington and State of Vermont, have invented certain Improvements in Obstetrical Instruments, which I have denominated Digital Forceps, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying single sheet of drawings, constitutes a specification.

This invention is designed to aid in the removal from the uterus, after the removal or expulsion of the placenta in childbirth, of any adherent tissue or other substance, the detachment of which is essential to a good recovery. The accoucheur often finds difficulty in detaching and. removing such adherent matter, on account of the contraction of the 05, is often unable to discover it except by digital examination, the contracted parts frequently admitting but a single finger, and often resorts to the insertion of some slender instrument to aid the tip of the finger in seizing and holding any fragmentary tissue or matter when discovered in the act of withdrawal of the same. By such awkward and inefficient appliances the labor of the attendant and the endurance of the patientare often tediously prolonged, and the results are often unsatisfactory, septicaemia and pyeemia sometimes resulting from inefficiency and neglect in attending to the thorough removal of all such substances, the decomposition and absorption of which sometimes induce fatal results.

My invention greatly assists in effecting a thorough detachment and removal of all adherent tissue and morbid matter, and thereby materially enhances the chances of a good recovery. It is fully illustrated in the drawings, wherein Figure 1 exhibits a perspective view of the same, and Fig. 2 shows an adjustable fingersocket attached to the stem of the forcepsblade.

My device consists, essentially, of two parts-'-viz., a forceps-blade and a finger-socket attached thereto for the reception of the operators finger. The blade (shown at A) is slightly curved, the anterior end of which is shaped somewhat like the bowl of a teaspoon,

Serial No. 172,267. (No model.)

(seen at 13,) and is fenest-rated, as at G. The interior edge of the opening 0 is smooth and thin, not sharp enough to cut, but thin enough to engage or catch any shred of tissue which falls in its way as it is passed over the surface of the inner membrane of the uterus. About a fingers length in rear of opening 0 the finger-socket is hinged or otherwise attached to the stem of the forceps-blade. One form of attachment by means of a hinge is shown at F, and another, which is adjustable, is shown at G. The latter consists of a sim ple socket, to which the stem of the blade is fitted, so as to make a tight sliding fit, and by such means maintain its adjustment wherever set.

To provide an equivalent for the action secured by the hinge F, the socket E is made with a slender spring, S, which will yield and bend in obedience to the manipulation of the operator.

The instrument is used by inserting the forefinger through the ringsocket E, so as to bring the tip of the finger into apposition with opening 0. hen so inserted,the finger becomes a member of the apparatus, forming the companion member or limb of blade A. The finger with the attached device is then inserted in the uterus, and the convex or outer surface of the blade is then gently guided by the finger over the internal surface of the uterus, the internal edge of opening 0 engaging with and catching onto any shreds of tissue lying in its path, which are also instantly detected by the tip of the finger and immediately grasped between the finger and the internal edge of opening G. Thus they are secured and withdrawn. By this means the nerves of sensation or sense of touch are utilized, in connection with the forceps-blade, to discover abnormal matter, and the muscles of the finger, in conjunction with the same blade, are utilized to remove the same.

This instrument serves a very useful purpose in cases of abortion or of premature birth, or in any case where obstructive adhesions exist; hence I claim- 'A surgical instrument for obstetrical purposes,consisting of a fenestrated forcepsblade provided with a hinged finger-socket for the reception of the finger of the operator, ar-

scribecl my name at Bennington,Verm0nt, this 3d clay of July, A. D. 1885.

ser'ted finger may 00 operate with the foreeps- 5 blade as a eompanion member to form a, digital forceps, substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereto sub- In presence of- FRANKLIN SCOTT, L. O. PARTRIDGE.

ranged as described, so that the tip of the inl S ROLLIN WILOOX 

